Attendees of the Registrar’s farewell function
The programme seamlessly combined a review of the Division’s Quarter 2 operational performance with a heartfelt celebration of a leader whose infl uence, colleagues said, extended far beyond policies, systems and institutional structures.
Mrs Phemy Manganyi, Head of Records and Archives Management
Opening the programme, Mrs Phemy Manganyi welcomed attendees and emphasised the importance of refl ecting on the Division’s performance while recognising Dr Baloyi’s contribution to the University. She praised his commitment to staff development and his ability to create an environment where employees were encouraged to share ideas, embrace innovation and participate meaningfully in strategic planning. She further commended his commitment to treating every employee with dignity and respect, describing his departure as a signifi cant loss
to the University.
Mr Azwidowi Mukheli, Dean of Students
The business component of the programme focused on the Quarter 2 Operational Plan Progress Review, presented by Mr Azwidowi Mukheli, Dean of Students. He reported that the Registrar’s Division continued to perform strongly against its Annual Performance Plan, with the Academic Administration and Governance Directorates achieving all their planned targets.
Mr Mukheli reaffi rmed the Division’s commitment to transparency, accountability and continuous performance improvement. Representing the Student Aff airs Directorate, he refl ected on Dr Baloyi’s transformative infl uence on student governance. He credited the outgoing Registrar’s high standards and strategic guidance with strengthening the Directorate’s ability to address complex student matters, improve service delivery and foster more constructive relations between student leadership and University management.
“Although Dr Baloyi’s expectations were demanding, they inspired excellence, professional growth and improved service delivery,” Mr Mukheli noted.
He also expressed appreciation for Dr Baloyi’s mentorship, compassion and personal encouragement, extending his gratitude to both Dr Baloyi and his wife, Mrs Baloyi, for the care and support they provided to colleagues beyond the workplace.
The tone then shifted from performance review to celebration as colleagues shared personal tributes to a leader whose impact has been deeply felt across the Division.
Ms Weyeni Tshivhenga, Personal Assistant to the University Registrar
Ms Weyeni Tshivhenga described Dr Baloyi as a mentor, leader and constant source of encouragement. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities he created for her to participate in high-level strategic engagements, which signifi cantly broadened her professional development.
She also praised his patience, humility and willingness to explain complex matters with kindness and respect. Beyond his professional role, Ms Tshivhenga acknowledged the personal support and prayers Dr Baloyi and his wife extended to her during diffi cult periods, describing their compassion as life-changing.
Mr Lugisani Managa representing the Registrar’s Division Finance Business Partners
Representing the Registrar’s Division Finance Business Partners, Mr Lugisani Managa refl ected on the qualities of authentic leadership, praising Dr Baloyi’s integrity, strong character and commitment to ethical leadership.
Mr Mpfariseni Ligudu, Deputy Registrar – Academic Administration
Mr Mpfariseni Ligudu highlighted Dr Baloyi’s ability to unite the three directorates under the Offi ce of the Registrar : Academic Administration, Student Aff airs and Governance, around a common purpose. He commended Dr Baloyi’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, sound governance and service delivery, while highlighting his open-door leadership style, which encouraged collaboration and inspired confi dence across the Division.
Mr Ligudu further recognised the Registrar’s role in strengthening governance awareness, improving institutional systems and guiding colleagues through complex and challenging engagements with professionalism and composure.
Ms Martha Lewis, Deputy Registrar – Governance Directorate
For Ms Martha Lewis, Dr Baloyi transformed the way governance was understood within the Directorate. She said that, under his leadership, governance evolved from being viewed primarily as a collection of policies and procedures to becoming a strategic pillar of institutional accountability, sustainability and excellence. Ms Lewis also praised Dr Baloyi’s investment in staff development, accessibility and willingness to engage directly with colleagues in addressing complex challenges. She said the systems, innovations and governance structures established during his tenure would continue to strengthen the University for years to come.
Throughout the programme, one message resonated clearly: Dr Baloyi’s legacy extends far beyond institutional systems and processes.
It is refl ected in the people he empowered, the colleagues he mentored, the governance structures he strengthened, the institutional performance he advanced and the culture of excellence, integrity, accountability and respect he helped cultivate.
The Outgoing University Registrar, Dr Joel Baloyi
In his response, Dr Baloyi expressed his appreciation for the support, recognition and memorable farewell extended to him by colleagues. He said he was proud of the Registrar’s Division and its strong culture of engagement and recent achievements. He urged staff to preserve and strengthen this culture through open communication, active listening, mutual respect and teamwork, emphasising that genuine dialogue is essential to resolving challenges and building stronger relationships.
Refl ecting on his leadership journey, Dr Baloyi said leadership was not defi ned by position, but by humility, integrity, service and the manner in which people treat others. He further emphasised the importance of regular staff engagement, positive collaboration with student leadership and keeping students at the centre of the University’s mission.
As he embarks on a new professional chapter, Dr Baloyi encouraged colleagues to continue supporting one another, uphold the Division’s shared values and build on the strong foundation already established. The farewell served as both a celebration and a reminder that true leadership is measured not only by achievements, but by the people developed, lives touched and lasting institutions strengthened.
Although the University bids farewell to an exceptional leader, the values Dr Baloyi championed, the people he empowered and the systems he strengthened will continue to shape the Registrar’s Division and the broader University community.
His legacy will endure as a powerful reminder that leadership, at its highest level, is ultimately about service, integrity and leaving people and institutions stronger than one found them.
Below: Various teams within the Registrar’s Division pose for photographs with the University Registrar:
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